Each green, red and off-white square on chart represents 1 dc. Each gold square on chart is either a 2 dc cluster or 1 dc as shown in the stitch key.

Follow chart from bottom to top, reading from right to left on odd-numbered rows and from left to right on even-numbered rows. Repeat chart six times across each row, working (dc, ch 3, dc) in each ch-3 sp between each repeat and working ends as directed.

To help establish the pattern, Rows 1-3 are written out in the instructions that follow. Working in established pattern, follow chart for remaining rows.

Changing colors:

Colors are always changed while completing the last st made with the current color. Work dc until there are 2 lps remaining on hk, drop current color, yo with the new color, draw new color through lps on hk and continue stitching with new color.

Avoid carrying the yarn across more than a few stitches in back. For longer distances, wind a separate ball of yarn for each color change. When a new color is needed, drop the current color so it can be picked up again when it is needed on the next row.

2 dc cluster: Holding back last lp of each st, work 2 dcs in st or sp indicated, yo, draw through 3 lps on hk.

Directions: Before you begin, refer to gauge, techniques/stitches used, etc.

Row 1: With Paddy Green, ch 75; dc in fourth ch from hk for first dc, dc in each of the next 5 chs for placket, [ch 3, dc in each of the next 11 chs] across: count 72 dcs and 6 ch-3 sps.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn, referring to Skirt Chart, work as follows: [work 1 dc in first dc and in each remaining dc across to next ch-3 sp, (dc, ch 3, dc) in ch-3 sp] across to last 6 sts, sk 1 dc, dc in each of the next 5 dcs: count 84 dcs and 6 ch-3 sps. Fasten off Paddy Green.

Row 3: Attach Country Red,ch 3 for first dc, turn, work 1 dc in each of next 4 dcs, sk 1 dc, referring to chart, work as follows: [(dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch-3 sp, dc in each dc] across to last dc, work 2 dcs in last dc: count 96 dcs and 6 ch-3 sps.

Rows 4-37: Working in established pattern, follow chart for remaining rows, changing colors as shown and keeping 6 sts along placket edge. Do not fasten off at end of Row 37.

With same side facing, attach Paddy Green to top of tree skirt. Work 1 reverse sc in each dc and 3 in each ch-3 sp across top. Fasten off.

Use tapestry or yarn needle to weave in all loose ends.

Finishing: Referring to chart for position, use matching thread and hand-sewing needle to hand-sew one half of each snap to right side of placket. Sew other half of each snap to corresponding position on wrong side of opposite edge of tree skirt.

FINISHED SIZE: Tree skirt measures about 45 inches across.

Abbreviations

ch(s) chain(s)

dc(s) double crochet(s)

hdc(s) half double crochet(s)

hk hook

sc(s) single crochet(s)

sk skip or skipped

sp space

sl st slip stitch

tr(s) triple crochet(s)

beg beginning

lp(s) loop(s)

rep repeat

rnd(s) round(s)

RS right side

sl slip

st(s) stitch(es)

tog together

WS wrong side

yo yarn over

* or [ ] Instructions after * or ­between brackets are ­repeated a ­given number of times.

( ) Instructions in ­parentheses are all worked in one stitch or space as ­indicated

Crocheted Poinsettia Tree Skirt from Jacqueline Jewett of Blauvelt, New York